asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has seen the recent reports of an oil slick in Cork harbour; and if he will state whose responsibility it is to have it removed.
10.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Coast Oil pollution.
9.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that there is gross oil pollution of beaches at Crosshaven and other seaside resorts on the Cork coast with consequent grave inconvenience to persons in adjacent areas who use these beaches; and if he will have inquiries made as to the source of this pollution with a view to taking steps to have it terminated.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.
The Oil Pollution of the Sea Acts prohibit the discharge of oil in Irish territorial waters and provide for heavy penalties on conviction for offences. Where an offence occurs within the jurisdiction of a harbour authority, the harbour authority concerned may bring a prosecution.
I received a report from the Cork Harbour Commissioners on the recent oil pollution in the harbour. The area concerned was examined by officials of the commissioners on Tuesday, 9th June, 1970, and traces of oil were found on rocks, gravel and seaweed. A further examination on 10th June showed that the contamination was appreciably reduced and that only slight traces of oil remained. The commissioners' inquires as to the cause of the oil slick are proceeding and two tanker owners will be prosecuted. This pollution, I am informed, did not come from the Whitegate terminal but appeared to have originated from seaward. The Irish Refining Company carried out cleaning operations in the area.
While the persons causing pollution may, if detected, be amenable for civil damages there are at present no legislative provisions in regard to the removal of oil pollution from beaches. The whole question is under review at present in the light of an inquiry by an inter-Departmental committee.
The Minister got the report of the committee six months ago. Has any action been taken since?
There are a number of Departments involved. The important matter is to pin actual responsibility for clearing the pollution to some particular body. Most likely this will be the local authority. The whole matter is being examined thoroughly by my Department.
The first point is to get the mess cleared up and that is nobody's responsibility at the moment.
The mess has been cleared up.
It has in this particular case, but it is nobody's responsibility.
The Deputy will appreciate that we do not have instant decisions or instant legislation in this House. This is a matter requiring legislation and responsibility will have to be pinned on some body.
Oil spillage has been going on for a number of years.
The Deputy can take it he will have the legislation in due course. It is being processed at the moment.
Is the Minister saying that his Department awaits word from somebody concerned around the coast informing him of an oil slick before he acts? Unless responsibility is pinpointed his Department will continue placidly unaware of increasing oil pollution around our coast.
There is no question of lack of information. We have to bring in legislation to deal with the actual clearance of oil pollution. Recommendations are being examined by a number of Government Departments to decide on whom shall rest responsibility for doing the job. This will involve local authorities. It will require legislation. There will be financial commitments. I cannot produce the legislation from the top of my head.